Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, the quarterback and tight end of the Kansas City Chiefs, are among the most celebrated duos in sports. Their astounding athleticism and apparent telepathic bond has led their professional football team to dozens of wins including a Super Bowl championship in 2019.
Hermon Mehari and Peter Schlamb, the trumpeter and vibraphonist/pianist who made names for themselves in Kansas City during the same era, are a similarly unstoppable force in improvised music. Their collaboration on Mehari’s new album Asmara is nothing short of triumphant.
“I Remember Eritrea,” a duet between Schlamb and Mehari, showcases their sublime compatibility. They’re joined by bassist Luca Fattorini and drummer Gautier Garrigue on the remainder of the tracks on the 35-minute album recorded in Paris. The wonderfully scratchy vocals of Faytinga augment “Tenafaqit” and “Milobe Lawa Furda.”
“Soul Chant” possesses the spirituality associated with South African pianist Nduduzo Makhathini. Schlamb and Mehari’s stupendous solos on the uplifting “Anthem for Independence” also serve notice they’re among jazz’s most imposing young improvisors. As with Mahones and Kelce, all they do is win.